Saturday, March 05, 2005

Odds and SodsThe online music journal Popmatters has a nice tribute to the late organ master Jimmy Smith entitled "Wall of Sound."

With the help of a Hammond B3 organ, the enigmatic Smith was wall of sound incarnate, a fortitude of overwhelming sonic experience. As veteran bebop saxophonist Lou Donaldson stated shortly after Smith's funeral, "The first time I heard Jimmy Smith I almost had a heart attack. I didn't know what that was -- a train, a hurricane, something. And all his life he was bad!"On another fairly melancholy note, posters on Easytree have written of legendary blues and Americana musician Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown's declining health:

Current tour dates have been cancelled due to illness - Gate's lung cancer is in the advanced stages; it looks like he won't be with us for much longer. Say a prayer for a great American blues icon. I don't know what family Gate will be leaving behind, but I'm sure that a portion of the proceeds from cd sales will likely continue to go to his estate after he's passed. it's a good way to help him and his, while helping yourself; go score his released music.

Finishing today's post on a more upbeat note, Brian P.'s new CD Distance has been released and is available. As soon as my copy comes from CD Baby, I'll post a review and play a few cuts during a future podcast. If you like modern jazz with a touch of fusion, check it out!Send comments to: Tim